To prevent heart burn

Controlling acid reflux can help halt halitosis

Your risk of foul breath rises with the severity of your reflux symptoms. That's because the same stomach acids and bile that back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, can also send a malodor that escapes through the mouth. Your prescription might even be making the problem worse: One study found that halitosis is more likely to occur in GERD patients who take proton pump inhibitors. The researchers believe the meds encourage bacterial overgrowth.

Fix it: Avoid dietary triggers, says  the dr. "Spicy foods, citrus fruits, and coffee are known to cause heartburn, but people may not realize that high-fat foods are also among the biggest culprits. They take longer to digest and spend more time in your stomach, increasing the chances acid will creep up into your esophagus."